Embattled Former Essendon great James Hird in hospital after suspected overdose

An ambulance was called to his house following reports of an 'intentional poisoning overdose'.
- byNew Idea

06 Jan
2017

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James Hird was rushed to hospital in Melbourne after a suspected overdose at his Toorak mansion on Wednesday, and has since been transferred to a mental health facility for treatment.

A source close to the embattled former Senior Coach saidthat the 43-year-old had been struggling to put on a ‘brave face' during recent times, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Hird was embroiled in the much publicised doping scandal that marred the club back in 2013, which saw him banned for 12 months after it was revealed illegal peptides (which trigger growth hormones) were being used by staff and players.

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Although calls were made for Hird to step down in 2013, it wasn’t until 2015 that he left the club.

As well as coaching, he had played 253 games for the Bombers, including winning two premierships as captain.

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Concerns had been raised about his mental health, with The Age reporting that Hird had isolated himself from the club and had not shown up to attend a recent reunion.